T's Top 5 Songs for my Dad

I lost my dad four years ago today. He had a heart attack in the driveway. My mom found him and worked on him for 20 minutes to get him back. I’m not sure which was worse that day – the shock of losing my dad, or the thought of his wife of 50+ years trying desperately to save him by herself in the driveway. Yah, it was a rough day, month and year.

Even when writing about him in the past tense is difficult, it’s a good time to reflect on what a proud man he was. He wore Iron Workers Local 736 hats, t-shirts and jackets every day. I don’t have many pictures of him without his beloved union gear on. Honestly, to hell with employee engagement surveys. You just need one damn question – would you willingly wear company garb outside of work because you’re proud to show it off? For me, that’s an easy answer.

With the resurrection of the music blog, I thought it would be nice to put together my top 5 songs to remember my dad by. He loved Conway Twitty, Neil Diamond and Elvis. We used to sing along to the Solid Gold tapes that you used to get from the gas station in the late 80s. He despised heavy metal and I have even seen him throw cassette tapes out the car window if he thought the music was crap.

Pale Blue Eyes – Lou Reed

No, he didn’t like Lou Reed. I never heard Velvet Underground in my house growing up. But, he did have the most memorable ice blue eyes. You could tell his mood in one glance based on his eyes. I came to quickly recognize the stormy look and learned when to run when his eyes said a spanking was coming.

I didn’t inherit those amazing blue eyes, I have my mom’s hazels, but, I did inherit that mood ring stare – you can read me like an open book based on my gaze. I recently found an ice blue marble that perfectly matched his eyes and I kept it so I have a physical reminder of that colour.

Sunday Morning Coming Down – Johnny Cash

My dad was a story teller. He had his favourite stories too, like when he met Joe Biden at union convention or when he saw Dog the Bounty Hunter in Hawaii. But his favorite story was telling us he met Johnny Cash coming off a train on a Sunday morning in Owen Sound. My dad lived near the train station in mud town and he likely did meet Johnny or someone who looked darn close to him (plus Johnny has been everywhere, man).

Against the Wind – Bob Seger

Since I was a little girl, I have always associated this song with my dad. He loved Bob Seger and he loved windy nights. Growing up he had a big tree outside his bedroom window and he loved the sound of the wind through the branches and leaves at bedtime. For him, it was a comforting sound. Thanks to him and that story, the sound of the wind is also comforting for me. Last night the wind picked up and I immediately felt like my dad was around.

Walk of Life – Dire Straights

My parents were married for over 50 years, had 4 kids and 10 grand kids. We celebrated as a complete family unit on their 25th anniversary with a dance and banquet at a rented hall. I remember they played Dire Straights Walk of Life and the dance floor was jammed. I think every cousin, friend and co-worker was out there cutting it up. It was so popular, the DJ played it twice. That song will always be associated with everyone I knew and loved together on a dance floor.

Neil Diamond – Cracklin Rosie

My dad was a huge Neil Diamond fan, and sometimes I think he fancied himself a Canadian Neil when he got dressed up in his dark sun glasses and wide collar suits. Being the youngest, I was the spoiled one and he used to say, “Teresa Polyester when you get married, we’re hiring Neil Diamond to play at your wedding.” Ugh, I wish I could hear him say his little nickname “Teresa Polyester” one more time.

My one regret was that I never asked him what his favourite Neil Diamond tune was…I wish I knew. So, I’m picking Crackin’ Rose because it's got the way to make me happy and I hope it made him happy too.